HIS CONTRACT MARRIAGE

"Sweetheart," Emma called to Elizabeth.

"Yes, Mommy," Elizabeth replied as she grabbed her school bag and dashed out of the room to meet her mother, who was waiting by the entrance door.

"Honey, we are running late," Emma said, prompting Elizabeth to rush to her.

"I am here now," Elizabeth replied slyly, giggling. Emma knew she was up to something.

"What have you done, Eli?" Emma asked. She raised her brows in suspicion.

"Nothing, Mommy," Elizabeth replied, shaking her head. Emma gave up after looking at her for a minute. She walked out of the apartment, holding Elizabeth's hand. She locked the door, and they walked to the bus stop, waiting for the bus.

The school bus soon arrived. Emma kissed Eli's temple and assisted her in boarding the school bus. "I will see you later, honey."

Elizabeth waved goodbye to her mother and boarded the bus. As soon as she settled in. The driver drove away.

Emma is a stunning, young, and hardworking woman. She has milky white skin, hazel eyes, charming dimples, long blonde wavy hair, and a stunning physique. Emma is 27 years old and a single mother. She has a seven-year-old daughter. Emma adores her daughter and would go to any length to ensure her happiness.

Emma arrived at her office and settled in. She works as a general supervisor in a hotel and has resumed her daily duties of overseeing all departments.

_____

Ethan, on the other hand.

Ethan is a successful businessman, perhaps the most successful in all of New York. He is regarded as a ladies' man due to his youth and attractive appearance.

Despite having had numerous relationships with women, he does not enjoy dating; his only passion is expanding his business. He makes trillions of dollars but is never satisfied; he always wants more.

Ethan faces a significant challenge to advance: he must marry. He is unable to achieve his next business goal without marriage.

Someone knocked at his office door.

"Come inside," he said. A lady entered and closed the door behind her. She saunters over to his desk.

"Good morning, sir," she said.

"Good morning, Serah. "Please sit down," Ethan motioned to her, pointing to a single chair across the desk.

Serah took a seat across from Ethan. "I came to give you the update you requested." She handed him an envelope. He opened it and went through the contents. It contained profiles of several women. He set it aside after a glance.

"I will get back to you about this, Sarah. "You can go now," he said. "And thank you for your time," he said with gratitude.

"OK, sir. "I will take my leave," Serah said, standing up and leaving the office.

After she left, Ethan summoned Rose, his secretary, to his office.

Rose stepped inside. "Sir?" she inquired.

"What are my plans for today?" Ethan inquired, his eyes drawn to his phone.

"Sir, you have an appointment with your doctor at 10 a.m., followed by a meeting with Mr. Wellington at noon. "You have the rest of the day free."

"And tomorrow?" he inquired.

"You have a meeting at the LA'VIDA Hotels and Resorts at 9 a.m. Also, your flight to London has been scheduled for"

"Save it. "You can leave now," Ethan interjected. Rose walked out of the office, and Liam, Ethan's advisor and the company's COO, entered. He sat on a single white sofa, his legs crossed. Ethan had also joined him.

"Hey," Liam greeted.

Ethan replied without looking up from his phone, "Update, Liam."

Liam gave him a folder. "These are the only suitable candidates. Check out their profiles before making a decision."

Ethan is serious about finding a wife, not out of desire, but out of necessity. He wants to purchase a resort and an island.

The property owner insisted on dealing with someone accountable. He desired someone stable. Ethan's offer had been turned down numerous times because he was single, so he chose a contract marriage.

The folder included profiles of six women. Ethan begins reading:

"Kate, twenty-two, a dancer, is looking for Mr. Right. Seriously? "Looking for a wealthy husband, no." He chuckled.

"Emma, age 27, is looking for a father for her 7-year-old daughter. Specifically, a contract marriage."

"Okay, I have made my decision," he said, placing the folder on the coffee table. Getting more comfortable on the sofa.

"There are four additional candidates, Ethan. "You have not checked them out," Liam retorted, frustrated.

"I have made my decision."

"What!? Okay, who is it?" Liam inquired with curiosity.

"I choose Emma". Ethan sat upright, his elbows resting on his thighs. "She wants a contract marriage, just like me. Furthermore, she is a single mother and will not be clingy.

He sat fully in his chair, one leg on his thigh, and a smirk spread across his face.

"You can not be serious," Liam remarked.

"Yes, I am. Tell the agency to set up an appointment for us to meet."

Liam, still in shock, dialled a number. Still looking perplexed.

"Hi, my name is Liam. Could you please schedule a meeting for my boss, Mr. Williams, and Miss Richard-Emma Richard?"

After hearing from the person on the other end of the line. He responded, "Okay, thank you." And then hung up.

"They will get back to us once the date is set," Liam explained.

Ethan rose to his feet. "Thanks, man." He returned to his desk and retrieved his suit from the hanger. "I have an appointment with my doctor."

Emma and Ethan were scheduled to meet the next day. There were four bodyguards stationed at the entrance. One of them opened the door to Ethan's Rolls Royce.

He made a grand entrance, stepping out of his car in designer pants and a jacket, capturing the attention of the agency's staff and clients.

"Hello, Mr. Williams." A middle-aged woman greeted him and dashed after him as he walked in, taking long strides. She barely keeps up with his pace.

As soon as he entered the luxurious lounge. She spoke and formally introduced herself. "My name is Debra, and I am the Manager of this Agency. "We have been expecting you."

"Is she here?" He inquired irritatingly, not finding the woman interesting.

" Miss Richard called. She will join you shortly." Ethan nodded and settled into a plush Italian leather seat.

"May I get you a cup of coffee?" the manager inquired. Ethan declined by shaking his head.

In one minute. Emma walked into the lounge wearing a beige pencil skirt and a lacy white crop top, looking stunning. Her curvy figure, sparkling milk-white skin, and brunette hair that cascaded down her shoulders were alluring.

"Welcome, Miss Richard. "Please sit down." The manager motions for her to sit on one of the sofas.

"Thank you, Mrs. Jackson. "I hope I am not too late for this meeting." Emma inquired with a slight smile.

"No. You are right on time. "Can I get you something?" The manager inquired.

"No, thanks," Emma said. Ethan's gaze never left her as she sat across from him.

Their manager formally introduced them. "Miss Richard, this is Mr. Williams. "Mr. Williams, meet Miss Richard." They exchanged nods. The manager then instructed a waiter to serve them each a glass of water, and she excused herself.

Emma

I was running late and already felt bad about giving the wrong impression of myself because this meeting was important to both me and my daughter.

Eli has been pressuring me to find her a Father. She explained how other students at school treat her because she does not have a Father.

Honestly. I am not pleased with myself. I promised her a better life and a good upbringing. This includes finding her a father. Someone who will look out for her. Someone she can consider her own.

This is the reason I am doing it.

Finally, I am here. I stood in front of the agency. Cars were lined up. Bodyguards were everywhere, and paparazzi swarmed around. I was curious about what was going on, and I assumed they had a VIP client.

I walked into the Agency. The clicking of my shoes echoes and draws attention to me. I collected myself and approached the front desk manager. I gave her my membership card. She confirmed my appointment and led me into a room.

I knocked and entered a stunning executive lounge with Italian leather seats and two large Cristal chandeliers that illuminated the space.

Mrs Jackson, the Agency Manager, was standing beside a gorgeous man. She greeted me with a smile.

"Good morning, Miss Richard. "Please take a seat." I gave a nod and took a seat. The man opposite me was staring at me, making me uncomfortable.

Mrs Jackson introduced us, and we both nodded. I was offered a cup of coffee, which I declined. A waiter poured us each a glass of water.

Mrs Jackson departed after informing me that the man wanted to meet with me.

The room went silent for what felt like two minutes. The man kept staring, seemingly assessing me. I took the opportunity to assess him too. He was extremely handsome and wealthy, with blue eyes, and even while sitting, I could tell he was very tall.

Someone needed to break the silence. I took the lead. "Good morning, Mr. Williams." I stretched out my hand, and he shook it and placed a kiss on my knuckles.

"I was told you wanted to meet with me. So here I am. I assume you know about me already. Shall we get to it?" I concluded.

He continued staring, and I wondered if he was mute. Then, suddenly, I heard his husky voice.

"Miss Richard, you are late, and I don't appreciate those who don't keep time."

I couldn't believe my ears. This man is rude. I wanted to walk away but controlled my temper and faked a smile.

"I am sorry for not being on time."

"It's fine," he said.

"What happened to your husband, Mrs. Richard?"

Where was that question coming from? I thought.

"Please, no personal questions. I believe you have a reason for wanting a contract marriage, just as I do. I'm not interested in your past or your reasons." I signed.

"I am a single mom. My daughter needs a dad. That is the reason I'm here". I politely stated.

"Well, Miss Richard, I only want this marriage for one reason: business."

"And I want this marriage for my daughter. She needs a dad," I replied.

"These are my terms. Miss Richard, I will marry you, care for you, and be the father of your daughter. In return, you will:

1. Be my wife.

2. Leave your current job.

3. Transfer your daughter to a school of my choice.

4. Travel with me on most of my business trips.

If you agree to my terms, then let's do this."

After listening to his offer. I responded.

"Mr. Williams, I also have my terms. If you agree to them, I might consider your offer.

1. I have no intention of quitting my job, and I will not be at your beck and call.

2. My daughter's school is one of the best in NY, so there's no need to change it.

3. We will sleep in separate rooms. I will respect your privacy, and I expect you to respect mine.

4. No sex, as this is not a love marriage.

5. You will spend time with Elizabeth. She needs a dad who will attend PTA meetings and pick her up from school.

I am entering this marriage only for her. So, what do you say, Mr Williams?"

I saw a furious man.

"Do you know how busy I am, Miss Richard? I am a busy businessman. I hardly have time for myself. How can I have time for all that rubbish?"

"What?!" I stood up. "Excuse me, Mr. Williams. You just failed. You cannot be my daughter's father. This meeting is a waste of time. I don't mean to be rude, but you are a rude man."

"What did you call me?!" He stood up.

I went to grab my bag, and as I was about to leave, he grabbed my hand and pulled me back, looking me straight in the eye with a scowling face.

"Are you walking out on me?"

"Yes, I am. I can't marry you, Mr. Williams. You are not father material." He pulled me closer, tightening his grip on me.

I was furious, ready to explode. His breath fanned my face, and his cologne filled my nostrils. His countenance changed as if he was about to kiss me.

For some reason, I was melting into him. His grip on me was doing something to my body. I started feeling something I'd never felt before.

I summoned the courage to pull away from his hold and left the room.

What does he think of himself? Does he think I care because he is wealthy?

How dare he say my offer is rubbish?

I kept walking, and as I got outside, a strong hand held me back. The same hand I had just escaped from. What does he want from me?

The paparazzi were busy trying to get good shots of the scene.

"Can we talk about this all over again, Miss Richard?" he asked, giving me a serious look.

There is something about his eyes. I feel a pool of wetness down my private area. I don't understand why my body is responding to him this way. I quickly put myself in order.

Honestly, I didn't like his arrogance. And the fact that he was this rich scared me. I just didn't want anything to do with him.

Seeing all his bodyguards and people looking at us, I declined. I can't do this with him. He is way out of my league, and I don't want to look like a gold digger. I don't belong to his class.

"Please, Mr. Williams, I don't want anything to do with you" I managed to breathe.

"I suggest you ask the Agency to keep searching for a woman who will meet your standards. But that woman isn't me." I whispered in his ear, enough for him alone to hear. I wouldn't let the paparazzi tarnish his image.

I pulled away from his hold and walked away. This time, he did not stop me.

Ethan couldn't get a proper sleep. He kept thinking about a certain woman who rejected him. It was something that had never happened to him before.

He replayed the scene over again. He remembered how Emma left the room, leaving him speechless. No woman had ever walked away from him. To make matters worse, she insulted him by calling him rude. Well, Emma is fearless, but she just stepped on the tiger's tail. Ethan is not an easy person to contend with.

______

Ethan Williams entered the conference room. He had called for a general meeting, wanting updates from the Presidents of all his five-star and seven-star hotels. The hotels were well represented.

At the entrance of the CEO, all the executives stood to welcome and acknowledge him.

The meeting was ongoing, with one of the executives delivering a speech. Ethan was deep in thought, reflecting on his previous encounter with Emma. Her actions haunted him, and a loud voice snapped him out of his reverie and back to the meeting.

"Sir!," the man's voice called out.

"Yes, please". Ethan said. Not understanding whatever the man had said.

"It seems you dozed off, sir," the man pinpointed.

" I'm sorry to waste your time gentlemen. I need a break. We'll reschedule this meeting, and my secretary will update you on the new date. Thank you, gentlemen." He stood up and left the room, followed by his secretary and his guards.

Everyone in that hall was dumbfounded. They wondered what happened to their boss. He had never been like that before.

Ethan walked into his office and instructed his men to find out everything they could get about Emma Richard. They left immediately at his command.

His secretary walked in to remind him of his visit to the Laveda Hotel and Resorts.

"Sir, you're scheduled to visit the Laveda Hotel and Resorts today. The hotel president is waiting for you."

He contemplated either to reschedule or to go as planned. He turned to his secretary, Rose.

"Tell him I'll be there shortly. And please. Inform Zack to get my car ready. Thanks, Rose," he instructed politely.

______

Outside the Laveda Hotel, senior staff awaited their CEO's arrival, along with paparazzi. They soon spotted his convoy approaching.

About six cars stopped at the hotel entrance. Men in black rushed to secure the area. One of them opened the door, and the handsome young CEO emerged. He was received by the hotel president and ushered into the hotel. The paparazzi were busy taking pictures of Ethan.

In the hotel reception, staff lined up to greet him. The president introduced the most senior staff first, and then the others. Ethan greeted everyone.

The last person in line was Miss Richard. Her face was downcast, as no one dared look directly at their CEO, especially the newer employees like Emma, who had been at Laveda for barely a year. As he approached her, the president was about to introduce her, but the CEO interrupted.

"Miss Richard?" She raised her head and was shocked to see Ethan Williams. Her eyes almost came out of their sockets.

She composed herself immediately as everyone was watching. "It is an honour to meet you, sir," she said, bowing.

The president was confused and asked, "Sir, do you know Miss Richard?"

A mischievous smirk played on Ethan's lips.

"Yes, I do," he replied, still gazing at her, while everyone looked surprised. The president continued, "Miss Richard is the hotel's general supervisor. She is one of the best managers we have in Laveda."

Ethan noticed everyone watching and quickly proceeded inside with the hotel president. Emma finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Other staff were gossiping, and Emma could hear them asking how she knew the CEO. Ignoring them, she headed to her office.

A knock on her office door.

"Yes, come in, please," she answered.

Genna, Emma's best friend and also a manager at the hotel, walked in and sat across from her.

Emma pretended to be working on her laptop and asked, "What can I do for you, Genna?"

Genna smirked. "Start talking, girl."

Emma knew Genna wouldn't stop, so she decided to spill the beans. "The matchmaking stuff I told you about, the rude guy I mentioned, is our CEO"

"No fucking way," Genna was amazed. "Are you crazy? You mean our CEO was the man you rejected? Do you know how lucky you are? He's one of the youngest billionaires, maybe even a trillionaire that is if there is anything like that"

"That's the reason I don't want him. People like us don't matter to people like him. A trillionaire with me? That's odd. Please, let's stop talking about it." Genna sighed.

Another knock on the door. This time, It was the hotel president. The ladies stood up immediately to greet him.

"Sir, I hope there's no problem?" Emma asked, noticing the concerned look on his face.

The president sighed. Rubbing his palm through his hair.

"Miss Richard, I don't know what problem you have with Ethan..."

"He fired me?" she interrupted.

The middle-aged man looked surprised. "No. He fired everyone, including me. For reasons known only to you both. Please, you're the only one who can fix this. He wants to see you in his office. Now."

"What the fuck! I am sorry sir. But, I meant, How could he do such a thing?"

"Oh God. I've been fired? Why? What's going on?" Genna started sobbing.

"Genna, stop the drama. You and I know what this is about. I'll be right back."

Emma left her boss and Genna in her office to meet with Ethan who happened to be her boss.

_____

Ethan was in a phone conversation with someone while standing by the office's glass wall and looking at the busy street when he heard a knock on the door. "Come in," he said, and continue his conversation.

Emma walked in and stood by his desk. Ethan ended the call and walked over to her, hands in his suit pockets while he stared at her.

"You sent for me, sir," she said casually. He was furious, thinking about her audacity to call him rude. He wondered what was attracting him to her.

He moved closer and whispered,

"There's no backing down on this, Miss Richard." He smirked and stepped away from her. He sat on a sofa in the lounge area of his office. "Come sit down, Miss Richard," he commanded.

She knew he was doing this deliberately to get back at her. So she sat on another sofa across from him. They looked at each other in silence before he chuckled.

"You're fearless, Miss Richard. It's a charm you have. You'd be a perfect partner for me. Don't you agree? You're the only woman that is not afraid of me and not interested in my money. I find that interesting. So, what do you say, Miss Richard? Let's start on a good note."

Emma was amazed. She wondered if this was his real personality or if he was putting on a show. She decided to respond.

"Emma Richard," she said, extending her hand. He took her hand and kissed the back of her palm. "Ethan Williams," he said. She quickly pulled back her hand.

"I'm sorry," they both said simultaneously, laughing.

"So, are we good now, Miss Richard?"

"Yes, we are," she replied. "But sir, about the staff?"

"Our meeting tonight will determine their fate. Don't worry about that. You can leave now, Miss Richard."

She stood to go back to her office, confused by what he meant. "Our meeting tonight?" she asked.

He walked over, took her phone, and unlocked it with her fingerprint. He entered his number and dialled it. When it rang, he saved it. "I'll see you tonight, Miss Richard. Make sure to look your best. I'll pick you up later today," he smiled and winked.